2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Differential Cleaning

[wyatt1672]

When cleaning differentials, is it OK to use brake cleaner to clean the gears?

 

[fkovalski]

In my opinion, I would not use any type of solvent. It may be possible that not all will evaporate and might break down the lubricating properties of the new fluid that will be added.



I just drain and use a lint free cloth to wipe to bottom part inside the housing.



It is my feeling that if one "needs" to use Brakleen or other type of solvent on a normal maintenance fluid change, then there are much larger issues present.



JMHO,

-frank

 

[DIESELWRKS]

no. this will strip the bonded layer of protection that everything has. drain suck, scoop what every you can out. some people even lift up each side one at a time to get alittle more out. dont use the solvent.

 

[DJb]

Mine was pretty dirty and I used a solvent to rise it out but then squirted lube on everything before sticking the cover back on. That was 3 years ago... .

 

[WILLD420]

I've used it for years, it really cuts the gray goop in the bottom and the magnet.

Use compressed air to blow it all out and give it 30 minutes or so to evaporate before you put it back together. Prior to putting the cover on, dribble some lube all over the spider gears, ring gear and bearings.

Don't let it run out the bottom and ruin the seal. You only need to get a little in there, the splash will fix the rest. Drive it easy till you get oil on everything real good again.

 

[BDaugherty]

I think that under normal conditions you should just wipe everything down with a rag, then install the cover and fill it back up. However, if it needed it or if it made me feel better, I wouldn't hesitate to spray some ether in there to clean everything up. Like mentioned above, just make sure the get all the solvent back out before filling with oil. I prefer to change the oil on shorter intervals so that it doesn't get nasty enough the need that kind of cleaning.

 

[DJb]

When I bought my 2500, it barely had 100k miles and the rear looked pretty decent inside but our Durango which was bought new, looked like crap inside with only 25k miles. That dang TrackLock is a pos imo. I never saw so much gunk built up in the bottom of a rearend before! The 2500 has an open rear. I would like a limited slip in it but not the factory Track Lock junk.